How to Plant a Tomato Stalk

Tomato transplants can produce roots along their stalks.

A deep root system leads to healthy, productive tomato plants. Unlike most plants, tomatoes have the ability to produce additional roots off their main stalk when planted deeply. Burying part of the stalk when transplanting the seedling increases root size and helps produce a strong, bushy plant. Tomatoes require warm temperatures and sunshine to grow well after transplanting. Plant the tomato stalks in a well-drained bed that receives full sunlight after all spring frost danger passes.

1

Turn a 2-inch layer of compost into the top 6 inches of garden soil with a spade. Alternatively, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer blend to the bed, applying it at the label recommended rate for your garden size and the blend. Turn the fertilizer into the soil.

2

Dig a planting hole for each tomato seedling with a trowel. Dig the hole the same depth as the pot and lower stem of the tomato plant, up to the first set of healthy leaves. If the exposed stem beneath the leaves is more than 5 inches long, make the hole wide enough to plant the roots on their side. Space the holes 18 to 24 inches apart.

3

Lift the tomato plant from the seedling pot. Pinch off any small leaves on the stem growing beneath the first set of healthy leaves.

4

Set the plant in the prepared hole so the first set of leaves is just above the soil surface. For plants with long stalks, lay the root ball on its side in the hole and gently cure the stem upward so the leaves sit just above the soil surface.

5

Fill the hole in around the tomato seedling, burying the lower stalk. Lightly firm the soil over the root ball. Water immediately to settle the soil and to supply moisture to the roots.

Things You Will Need

Compost

Balanced fertilizer blend

Spade

Trowel

Tips

You can plant overgrown, leggy tomatoes up to their third set of leaves to encourage bushier growth. Strip off any foliage that would otherwise be buried beneath the soil.

Recently transplanted tomatoes may show some wilt symptoms, but with warmth, sunshine and proper watering they will resume growth within a week.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.